California Bill Advances to Raise Inmate Firefighter Wages to $19/hour

California lawmakers are considering Assembly Bill 247, which aims to increase the hourly wage of inmate firefighters to up to $19 while they work on active fire scenes. Currently earning between $5.80 and $10.24 a day, these inmates have historically comprised 30% of the state's wildfire response teams. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan advocating for fair compensation, citing the invaluable contributions of these firefighters during emergencies. However, the California State Sheriffs' Association has expressed concerns over the potential fiscal burden this bill could impose on counties. The increase in wages is expected to cost the state tens of millions annually, depending on the severity of fire seasons. Advocacy for higher pay has also received attention from public figures including John Legend and Kim Kardashian.